The project is made possible through collaboration between Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Office of Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez. Councilwoman Quiñones-Sánchez provided more than $2 million for the first phase of improvements which include new ADA-approved playgrounds for both younger and older age children, an updated outdoor basketball court, and a community garden designed to accommodate seniors who frequent the Mann Older Adult Center. Phase one renovations are scheduled to be completed in spring 2018.

“Updating this recreation center will help us better serve some of the most vulnerable people in North Philadelphia – our beloved children and seniors,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “I am grateful for our partnership with Councilwoman Sanchez which will help us rebuild this public asset.”

Renovations will also be done throughout both the interior and exterior of the building. The Mann Older Adult Center will be relocated into the ground floor of the current recreation center, moving Rivera programming to the northern side of the building. The north side of the facility will have active recreation amenities including playgrounds, basketball and handball courts, and a new splash-pad style sprayground.